Hours after Swiggy took down their billboards asking people to not throw eggs while celebrating Holi, another brand has started getting cancelled for their controversial advertisement. Bharat Matrimony released a new ad on the occasion of Holi. Through the ad, the matrimonial app is trying to highlight the issue of harassment of women during the festival.
The ad has offended a section of Twitter users who have started terming it as a Hindu-phobic advertisement. Besides, several users have criticised the brand for hurting the religious sentiments of the Hindus.
The ONLY way @bharatmatrimony will learn a lesson, withdraw this acutely Hindu hating ad and apologise is if the fallout is economic. So far, they have been remarkably shameless. Only way to change this is to call them and register your protest. #BoycottBharatMatrimony pic.twitter.com/yTjCdkhJGq
— Shefali Vaidya. 🇮🇳 (@ShefVaidya) March 9, 2023
Dear @bharatmatrimony Team: This is a serious warning; we sincerely hope you will abide by it right away. pic.twitter.com/QSjPDbWHs0
— ADV. ASHUTOSH J. DUBEY 🇮🇳 (@AdvAshutoshBJP) March 8, 2023
While it is clear that the brand wanted to put out an important message on the occasion of International women’s day, the brand tried to link it with the Hindu festival Holi.
A major section of those who are asking people to boycott the brand is questioning the brand on why such trends are not run during the festivities of other religions.
This Women's Day, let's spread awareness about harassment, frauds & extortion happening through matrimonial websites. Both men & women are victims in such cases
In 2022, DCW issued notice to matrimonial sites like Jeevansathi, Bharatmatrimony to prevent creation of fake profiles
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) March 8, 2023
How @bharatmatrimony wishes
On Eid On Holi pic.twitter.com/QP6ZH63CD5
— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) March 9, 2023
Really? And Mr. Janakiraman hopes to achieve this goal by demonising Hindus in a Hindu majority country by releasing ads that insult Hindu festivals and traditions? @bharatmatrimony? https://t.co/bu135lDiCE
— Shefali Vaidya. 🇮🇳 (@ShefVaidya) March 8, 2023
This is the second brand that has had to face the brunt of the netizens, this festive season. On March 7, 2023, food delivery application Swiggy was criticised for putting up a billboard that was urging people to not throw eggs while celebrating Holi.
Under the name of #Holi, Bharat Matrimony gives gyan to Hindus on violence against women.
Bharat Matrimony has used the beliefs of Indians for some financial gain!
If you want to have fun, play with colors instead of feelings!
Sorry, @bharatmatrimony!#BoycottBharatMatrimony pic.twitter.com/VDEcPJvO5a— ADV. ASHUTOSH J. DUBEY 🇮🇳 (@AdvAshutoshBJP) March 8, 2023
Several brands have had to be at the receiving end of the boycott clans of social media, in the last few months. The likes of Manyawar, Tanishq, AU Banks, and CEAT Tyres have also been called out in the recent past for hurting people’s religious sentiments.
